San Francisco, CA – In a landmark decision, Epic Games emerged victorious in a recent antitrust case against Google. A jury ruled that Google had maintained an illegal monopoly on in-app billing and app distribution on Android devices, engaging in anticompetitive practices with certain gaming companies and device manufacturers.
Following the verdict, Epic Games submitted a proposed permanent injunction against Google, outlining its demands for reform. The injunction revolves around three core points, as detailed in a blog post by Epic. First, Epic argues that Google should allow users to download apps from various sources without interference, similar to how they can download from a computer – from any app store or the web.
Secondly, Epic advocates for developers and users to have the freedom to choose how they offer and pay for in-app purchases, free from anticompetitive fees and restrictions. They propose that Google should enable developers to include links from their apps to websites for alternative payment options.
The third aim of Epic’s proposed injunction is to prevent Google from retaliating against app developers or companies challenging app store practices. Epic seeks to promote competition and freedom of choice for developers and consumers in the Android ecosystem.
In response to the proposal, Google plans to submit a response by May 2, with a hearing on the injunction scheduled for May 23. Google has expressed its intention to challenge the verdict, emphasizing that Android operates as an open mobile platform facing fierce competition from various app stores.
While Google is facing changes in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, similar investigations are underway for Alphabet and Apple over concerns regarding developer access to bypass the Play Store and App Store. Epic, in light of these developments, is planning to release a mobile app store on iOS and Android in the EU later this year, as it continues its legal battles with Apple over third-party payments in the US.